ID.4

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

Cupra, the Volkswagen Group-owned performance brand, has revealed its first-ever electric coupe SUV, the Tavascan. Underpinned by the MEB platform, the striking EV may be a dramatically-styled crossover with plenty of attitude, but it's closely related to the humdrum Volkswagen ID.4 sold in the United States.

Two power outputs will be offered. The base model produces 282 horsepower while the more potent dual-motor model sends 335 horses to all four wheels. Cupra claims this high-performance "VZ" can sprint to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is quicker than any US-spec ID.4.

As for range, Cupra claims the Tavascan has a maximum range of 341 miles (estimated on the WLTP cycle) and can glean 62 miles of range in just seven minutes of charging. The 77-kWh battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes when plugged into a 135 kW charger.

Cupra says the Tavascan is a highly exciting SUV to drive. With sports suspension and DCC Sport dynamic chassis technology, the electric crossover should be able to whirr through the bends with surprising ease. 21-inch forged wheels wrapped in performance tires should keep it glued to the tarmac.

The intricately-designed alloys feature bronze inserts, repeated on the angular, aggressive bodywork. Even though the Tavascan has been toned down slightly, the striking styling of the concept has remained unchanged for the most part. For an SUV, it looks poised and purposeful; the front matrix LEDs with the three-triangle lighting signature lend the vehicle a strong identity.

Dramatic lines flow down the sides of the vehicle and meet at the tapered rear, where you'll find the gorgeous rear light bar. The illuminated Cupra badge is a particularly neat touch. It's far more interesting than the comparatively frumpy ID.4 and a lot better than the ID.5, a coupe SUV not sold in the United States.

The Tavascan's cabin puts its VW-badged sibling to shame. It's a design masterpiece, and wouldn't look out of place in a more expensive car. Silver trim extends from the door cards and cascades into the fascia where the air vents are concealed. Copper trimmings uplift the cabin, and work beautifully with the detailed upholstery.

The 15-inch infotainment system dominates the dashboard and features a newly-developed Human Machine Interface. Throughout the cabin, you'll find 12 speakers littered throughout the cabin and a Sennheiser audio system.

Cupra says the Tavascan will be produced at the VW Group's Anhui factory in China and will officially launch in 2024. There's no word on whether it will arrive in the USA, but Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths has said the company is looking to move into the North American market in the coming months.

"I have to say, the first results back from these tests are very promising and positive," Griffiths said at the time.

If Cupra comes to America with EVs as good-looking as this, the rivalry between Volkswagen and Cupra could heat up. It's a competent electric vehicle, but the ID.4 is a tad pedestrian and lacks the pizazz some owners crave. The same can't be said of the Tavascan. Then again, the US-built Volkswagen may attract buyers thanks to the full EV tax credit it now qualifies for.

Since 2018, when Cupra was repositioned as an independent performance brand of Seat, the company has enjoyed great sales success globally. The company has shifted 300,000 cars since 2018 and sold 46,500 vehicles in the first quarter of 2023 alone. "Cupra is still a young brand. And yet, in just five years, we have hit one record after another at a remarkable pace, thanks to our drive and determination," added Griffiths.

If the brand arrives in America, it will only grow from strength to strength. Here's hoping Cupra makes its way here.